"You set off trying to win the title, but most people would say that third place is a very creditable spot. It's the same spot as last year.

"There's not much between the teams and, while Yorkshire have been the best team, we could have been in Lancashire's position."

Adrian Harms, BBC Sussex:

"With a draw guaranteeing third place in the Championship, Sussex understandably declined to set Northants a run chase, as the game petered out into a draw.

"Luke Wells took the opportunity to score his first century of the season in what he said 'had not been his best season'.

"For a side ravaged by injury, particularly in the bowling department, Sussex have performed exceptionally well to secure third place, with the experienced trio of Steve Magoffin, Ed Joyce and Luke Wright all playing leading roles."